President, 

I thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for their briefings. 

In December last year, while claiming that it was taking “limited and temporary measures”, Israel deployed troops in the area of separation and has kept them there to this day. During this period, the Israeli military has frequently conducted airstrikes against Syria, promoting the so-called demilitarization in southern Syria. Last week, Israel launched airstrikes on multiple targets within Syria, causing significant casualties and damage to facilities. Israel’s actions severely violate international law and infringe upon the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria. We condemn these actions and urge Israel to immediately put an end to these attacks and to withdraw from Syrian territory as soon as possible. The 1974 disengagement agreement should be upheld, and the fulfillment of UNDOF’s mandate should be ensured. 

As present, the situation in Syria is at an important and sensitive stage. A smooth political transition is key to the peace and stability in Syria, and should be the primary goal of the joint efforts of all parties. We hope that the Syrian interim authorities will follow the principles set out in Council Resolution 2254 and engage in broad dialogue and consultation with all sectors in Syria to promote an inclusive political process. In this regard, we call on all parties to actively support and cooperate with the work of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen. We urge the Syrian interim authorities to advance investigations into the coastal violence incident in a transparent and responsible manner, with the timely release of the results and under the oversight of the international community. I also want to reiterate that the Syrian interim authorities should fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and take decisive measures to combat all Council-listed terrorist organizations, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party.

President, 

Since the outbreak of the current round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Middle East has been mired in deep turmoil. Recently, Israel, ignoring strong opposition from the international community, has resumed the military operation in Gaza, posing further challenges to regional security and stability, which is deeply concerning. We urge all parties concerned to exercise calm and restraint, abandon the obsession with the use of force, refrain from actions that could exacerbate tensions in the region, return to the right track of a political settlement, and resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation. The international community, especially countries with influence, should step up diplomatic efforts and play an active and responsible role in the political settlement of the conflict. China is ready to work with the international community to continue our unremitting efforts to promote lasting peace and stability in Syria and to restore peace and tranquility in the Middle East.

Thank you, President.